Credit Card Debt

Did you know that 14% of people across Washington State struggle with overwhelming credit card debt? In fact, the average person in Lynnwood carries a credit card debt balance of $6,156. Unfortunately, high credit card debt is common because the high interest makes it very easy to double. You can see this with the Rule of 72.

When you use the Rule of 72, you see how fast your credit card debt will double. Simply take the number 72 and divide it by your card's interest rate.

72 ÷ interest rate = time credit card debt doubles

So, if your card has a 24% interest rate, it only takes about three years to double. With high rates and compounding interest, even a few thousand dollars can quickly balloon into unmanageable debt.

If your credit card debt has spun out of control in Lynnwood, our Snohomish County legal team can help. Call us now to explore your debt relief options.

If you're juggling credit card debt here in Lynnwood, we can help. Whether you're in Martha Lake, Alderwood, or Meadowdale, our legal team can help you explore ways out, including:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 is the fastest and most common way to wipe out credit card debt. If you qualify under the means test (11 U.S. Code § 707(b)), your unsecured debts, including credit cards, are discharged completely in about 3–4 months. You keep exempt property under Washington State law (RCW 6.15.010 and RCW 6.13.030), and creditors cannot legally collect once you file.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: If you make too much for Chapter 7 or want to catch up on mortgage or car payments, Chapter 13 lets you repay a portion of your credit card debt over 3–5 years, then discharges the rest. It's a great option for homeowners and higher earners under 11 U.S. Code §§ 1322 and 1325.
• Debt Settlement: This is where we negotiate with credit card companies to reduce the balance you owe. While it doesn't require court filings, it can still impact your credit. You'll often need to make lump-sum offers or structured payments, and forgiven debt might be taxable. However, it's a practical way out for some.
• Debt Management Plan (DMP): Nonprofit credit counseling agencies handle DMPs. You make one monthly payment, and they work out lower interest rates with your creditors. You still pay the full balance, just under better terms. While it's not a legal discharge, it can work if you're current and just need breathing room.

No matter where you live in Lynnwood, whether it's a condo near Edmonds College, a home off 44th Ave W, or an apartment near Wilcox Park, you've got options. We've helped people just like you turn things around and move forward with confidence. If you're ready to talk, give us a call.

If the court serves you papers, don't ignore them. A lawsuit from a credit card company is serious, but you've got options. There are legal steps we can take to protect your rights if you face a lawsuit in Snohomish County Superior Court.

1. Respond Before The Court Deadline: You typically have 20 days to respond after being served (per Washington State Civil Rule CR 12). Ignoring it leads to a default judgment.
2. Hire A Debt Defense Attorney: If you're being sued or harassed, we can challenge the lawsuit based on improper service, outdated debt based on the six-year statute of limitations for RCW 4.16.040, or missing documentation. We've used this approach for clients in Lynnwood who are facing aggressive collection lawsuits.
3. Challenge The Lawsuit: Many suits are for old or purchased debt. Under RCW 4.16.040, Washington State has a six-year statute of limitations on written contracts. If the debt is older than that, it may be unenforceable.
4. Consider Bankruptcy: Even if the court has already entered a judgment against you, filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 may still wipe it out unless it's a rare non-dischargeable case. Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay under 11 U.S. Code § 362, which immediately stops any ongoing lawsuits even if a court date is coming up.

We've helped Lynnwood residents stop garnishments after being sued, worked with Everett clients to eliminate court judgments through bankruptcy, and resolved lawsuits for folks in Lake Stevens, Marysville, and Edmonds.

Call our Lynnwood law offices now to speak with a qualified debt relief attorney who specializes in tackling credit card debt.